Portuguese Phrase
Vem como você é!
Meaning
Literally, “Come as you are!” It’s an informal invitation encouraging someone to show up without changing or dressing up, just being themselves. The phrase conveys warmth and acceptance, often used among friends or in casual settings.
When to use
Use this expression when you want to reassure a guest that no special preparation is needed—whether it’s a house party, a casual meetup, or a relaxed gathering. It’s best suited for informal contexts and familiar relationships.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vemcomovocêé
Imperative of 'vir'
Vem is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'vir' (to come), used for familiar commands.
Conjunction 'como'
'Como' introduces a manner or way, translating to 'as' or 'the way that'.
Pronoun 'você'
'Você' is the neutral second‑person pronoun in Brazilian Portuguese, often used in informal speech.
Verb 'ser' in present
'É' is the third‑person singular present of 'ser', meaning 'to be' in a permanent or essential sense.
🗨In Conversation
Oi, vai ter um churrasco na minha casa amanhã à noite.
Hey, there’s a barbecue at my place tomorrow night.
Legal! Vem como você é!
Cool! Come as you are!
✕Common Mistakes
Vem como você está!
‘Está’ refers to a temporary state (how you are feeling), not the way you present yourself.
Vem como tu és!
Mixing the informal ‘tu’ with the formal verb form ‘és’ sounds unnatural in most Brazilian regions; stick with ‘você’ for this phrase.
↔Alternatives
Chegue como está
Show up as you are
Venha como você é
Come the way you are
Seja você mesmo ao chegar
Be yourself when you arrive
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, hospitality is often expressed through relaxed invitations. Saying “Vem como você é” signals that the host values authenticity over formality. It’s common in younger circles and among close friends, but you’d avoid it in formal business settings where a more polished appearance might be expected.